Skip to main content
Caltech Course Catalog / 2025-2026 Catalog / Courses 2025-26 / Classical Mechanics and Electromagnetism

Ph 1 abc - Classical Mechanics and Electromagnetism

Ph 1 abc

Classical Mechanics and Electromagnetism

9 units (4-0-5)   |  first, second, third terms
A year-long introductory course on classical physics. Topics: Newtonian mechanics in Ph 1 a; electricity and magnetism, and special relativity, in Ph 1 b, c. Emphasis on physical insight and problem solving. Ph 1 b, c is divided into two tracks: the Practical Track emphasizes order-of-magnitude estimations; the Analytic Track teaches and uses methods of multivariable calculus. Students enrolled in the Practical Track are encouraged to take Ph 8 bc concurrently. Students will be given information helping them to choose a track at the end of fall term.
Instructors: Ravi, Patterson, X. Chen
Published Date: Aug. 28, 2025